PRESENTATION TO THE REV FATHER MACMANUS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 24, 1 April 1892, Page 13

PRESENTATION TO THE REV FATHER MACMANUS.

Thk Catholics of Bobs sincerely regret the removal of the Rev Father Macmanuß from their midst. Most zealously and well has he discharged his sacred dutiea during his term here — about four years. His removal is a promotion, and we certainly say that Ross's loss it Abaura's gain. The districts in the parish, one and all combined to show some tangible proof of appreciation of his services in their midst, and so in a very short time made up a feeling address and handsome testimonial. The presentation was made by Mr Bellamy after evening devotions on Sunday, the sth March, 1892. Following is the copy of testimonial.

" Rev and Dear Father Macmanus — The occasion which calls us together is a painful one. We have come to bid good-bye to a priest who haß earned our esteem and reparation, and our gratitude. You have been most zealous and unremitting in. the discharge of your eacred duties. The singleness of purpose manifest in all your ministrations, the edifying example cf your everyday life, and the vigilant and earnest care you have ever manifested for the spiritual and temporal advancement of our children, command our veneration and heartfelt gratitude. We have often marvelled at your energy,

perseverance, and devotedoess, in driving Sunday after Sunday a distance of fifteen miles, cold, weary, wet, and fasting, to say a second Mass, Nor was less energy, perseverance, and devoted ness required in your frequent joumeyings over the long and difficult road to Jackson* Bay. Bat a priest loves his people and wonl i lay down his life for them. You have eften ventured yours, crossing the dangerous rivers of South West'and, where many have been drowned, and von, to onr own knowledge, have ben swimming. la it any wonder we should love such a pri. st, and t>a sorry to part with him T However, in obedience to the commands of our beloved Bishoo, you are leaving for another parish, wherein we are certain that your conduct will be directed to reflect credit on yourself and honour on the priesthood. We heartily wish yon God's blessine, and may your fature parishioner* appreciate you as we do. Please accept the accompanying pane as a slight token of our sincere regardi. — Signed on behalf of the parishioners of Boss : John Orowley, Thomas McGlarry, Martin Minihan, William Punch, JBdward Bellamy, Patrick O'fiaw, Timothy Markham, Michael Moye, Denis Oollins, Joseph Haddock."

Father Macmanuß feelingly replied, and said he thanked the people of Rom for their kind and flattering address and for their substantial testimonial. He was glad to fay that he never had met with better people, and that he spent some of the happieat days in his life in Boss. Why should he not like the people, he added f They were good and virtnous, and always co-operated with the priest in all matters, and whenever that happy blinding of priest and paople existed, religion was sure to go ahead. He was now leaving the district and he could honestly say he was not leaving an enemy behind him. He now wished them good-bye, and assured them that they would meet with a kind friend in Father Browne, who was wellknown on the West Coast, and in Canterbnry, for his sterling qualities as a friend and priest.